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Musicians, Singers, and Related Workers

Job Zone
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

  • Perform before live audiences in concerts, recitals, educational presentations, and other social gatherings.97
  • Practice performances, individually or in rehearsal with other musicians, to master individual pieces of music or to maintain and improve skills.96
  • Specialize in playing a specific family of instruments or a particular type of music.90
  • Play musical instruments as soloists, or as members or guest artists of musical groups such as orchestras, ensembles, or bands.85
  • Interpret or modify music, applying knowledge of harmony, melody, rhythm, and voice production to individualize presentations and maintain audience interest.83
  • Provide the musical background for live shows, such as ballets, operas, musical theatre, and cabarets.82
  • Play from memory or by following scores.82
  • Practice singing exercises and study with vocal coaches to develop voice and skills and to rehearse for upcoming roles.82
  • Teach music for specific instruments.81
  • Transpose music to alternate keys, or to fit individual styles or purposes.80
  • Sight-read musical parts during rehearsals.76
  • Seek out and learn new music suitable for live performance or recording.73
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  • Listen to recordings to master pieces or to maintain and improve skills.73
  • Memorize musical selections and routines, or sing following printed text, musical notation, or customer instructions.73
  • Collaborate with a manager or agent who handles administrative details, finds work, and negotiates contracts.72
  • Make or participate in recordings.69
  • Make or participate in recordings in music studios.67
  • Improvise music during performances.64
  • Audition for orchestras, bands, or other musical groups.61
  • Perform in television, radio, or movie productions.60
  • Promote their own or their group's music by participating in media interviews and other activities.56
  • Research particular roles to find out more about a character, or the time and place in which a piece is set.52
  • Sing as a soloist or as a member of a vocal group.
  • Sing a cappella or with musical accompaniment.
  • Observe choral leaders or prompters for cues or directions in vocal presentation.
  • Arrange and edit music to fit style and purpose.

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

  • Speaking60

    Talking to others to convey information effectively.

  • Active Listening56

    Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

  • Monitoring56

    Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

  • Reading Comprehension53

    Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

  • Social Perceptiveness53

    Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

  • Coordination50

    Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

  • Critical Thinking50

    Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

  • Service Orientation47

    Actively looking for ways to help people.

  • Time Management47

    Managing one's own time and the time of others.

  • Active Learning44

    Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

  • Persuasion44

    Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.

  • Systems Analysis44

    Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

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  • Writing44

    Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

  • Judgment and Decision Making41

    Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

  • Learning Strategies41

    Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

  • Negotiation41

    Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.

  • Instructing38

    Teaching others how to do something.

  • Systems Evaluation38

    Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.

  • Complex Problem Solving35

    Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

  • Management of Personnel Resources28

    Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.

  • Operations Monitoring28

    Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

  • Mathematics22

    Using mathematics to solve problems.

  • Operations Analysis22

    Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.

  • Technology Design19

    Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.

  • Quality Control Analysis16

    Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

  • Equipment Selection10

    Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

  • Management of Material Resources10

    Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.

  • Operation and Control10

    Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

  • Troubleshooting10

    Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

  • Management of Financial Resources6

    Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.

  • Programming6

    Writing computer programs for various purposes.

  • Equipment Maintenance3

    Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

  • Installation3

    Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

  • Repairing3

    Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

  • Science3

    Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

  • Fine Arts96

    Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

  • Education and Training48

    Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

  • English Language44

    Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

  • Administration and Management42

    Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

  • Customer and Personal Service38

    Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

  • Communications and Media36

    Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

  • Computers and Electronics30

    Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

  • Sociology and Anthropology30

    Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.

  • Psychology29

    Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

  • Foreign Language27

    Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.

  • History and Archeology27

    Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.

  • Personnel and Human Resources27

    Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

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  • Administrative23

    Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

  • Mathematics23

    Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

  • Mechanical18

    Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

  • Sales and Marketing17

    Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

  • Telecommunications17

    Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

  • Transportation15

    Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

  • Economics and Accounting14

    Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

  • Philosophy and Theology14

    Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.

  • Physics13

    Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.

  • Design10

    Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

  • Production and Processing10

    Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

  • Therapy and Counseling8

    Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

  • Geography7

    Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.

  • Medicine and Dentistry6

    Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.

  • Biology5

    Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

  • Engineering and Technology5

    Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

  • Building and Construction4

    Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

  • Public Safety and Security4

    Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

  • Law and Government3

    Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

  • Chemistry1

    Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

  • Food Production

    Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

  • Oral Comprehension72

    The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

  • Oral Expression72

    The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

  • Hearing Sensitivity69

    The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.

  • Auditory Attention63

    The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.

  • Memorization63

    The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.

  • Speech Clarity63

    The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

  • Speech Recognition63

    The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

  • Written Comprehension63

    The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

  • Near Vision60

    The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

  • Originality60

    The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.

  • Speed of Closure56

    The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.

  • Finger Dexterity53

    The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

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  • Flexibility of Closure53

    The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

  • Manual Dexterity53

    The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

  • Written Expression53

    The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

  • Arm-Hand Steadiness50

    The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

  • Fluency of Ideas50

    The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

  • Information Ordering50

    The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

  • Perceptual Speed50

    The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.

  • Category Flexibility47

    The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

  • Deductive Reasoning47

    The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

  • Inductive Reasoning47

    The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

  • Problem Sensitivity47

    The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

  • Selective Attention47

    The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

  • Control Precision44

    The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

  • Visualization44

    The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

  • Multilimb Coordination41

    The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

  • Time Sharing41

    The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).

  • Trunk Strength41

    The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.

  • Far Vision38

    The ability to see details at a distance.

  • Dynamic Strength31

    The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.

  • Extent Flexibility28

    The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.

  • Mathematical Reasoning28

    The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

  • Number Facility28

    The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

  • Reaction Time28

    The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.

  • Sound Localization28

    The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.

  • Stamina28

    The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.

  • Visual Color Discrimination28

    The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.

  • Wrist-Finger Speed28

    The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.

  • Gross Body Coordination25

    The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.

  • Rate Control22

    The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.

  • Response Orientation22

    The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.

  • Static Strength22

    The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

  • Explosive Strength19

    The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.

  • Gross Body Equilibrium19

    The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.

  • Speed of Limb Movement19

    The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.

  • Depth Perception13

    The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.

  • Dynamic Flexibility13

    The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.

  • Peripheral Vision13

    The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.

  • Spatial Orientation10

    The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.

  • Glare Sensitivity6

    The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.

  • Night Vision6

    The ability to see under low-light conditions.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public80

    Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships73

    Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events71

    Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

  • Processing Information71

    Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

  • Thinking Creatively69

    Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

  • Getting Information66

    Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People63

    Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates62

    Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems57

    Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge54

    Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

  • Analyzing Data or Information53

    Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work53

    Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

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  • Developing and Building Teams52

    Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

  • Performing General Physical Activities52

    Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings51

    Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

  • Developing Objectives and Strategies44

    Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others43

    Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

  • Scheduling Work and Activities43

    Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards41

    Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization39

    Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others39

    Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others38

    Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

  • Handling and Moving Objects37

    Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

  • Training and Teaching Others37

    Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

  • Assisting and Caring for Others36

    Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

  • Coaching and Developing Others36

    Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

  • Documenting/Recording Information36

    Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information33

    Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates33

    Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials31

    Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

  • Performing Administrative Activities28

    Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others27

    Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

  • Selling or Influencing Others27

    Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources21

    Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

  • Working with Computers21

    Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

  • Controlling Machines and Processes20

    Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

  • Staffing Organizational Units18

    Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment15

    Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment12

    Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment12

    Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment12

    Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

  • Self-Confidence79

    A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

  • Innovation74

    A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.

  • Social Orientation74

    A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.

  • Perseverance73

    A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

  • Achievement Orientation68

    A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

  • Optimism63

    A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.

  • Stress Tolerance60

    A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

  • Initiative58

    A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

  • Dependability57

    A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

  • Adaptability56

    A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

  • Cooperation50

    A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

  • Intellectual Curiosity49

    A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.

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  • Self-Control49

    A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

  • Attention to Detail43

    A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

  • Tolerance for Ambiguity41

    A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.

  • Empathy28

    A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.

  • Sincerity27

    A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.

  • Integrity24

    A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

  • Leadership Orientation1

    A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

  • Artistic94

    Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

  • Enterprising40

    Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

  • Social40

    Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

  • Realistic31

    Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

  • Conventional20

    Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

  • Investigative9

    Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

    • Extremely important68%
    • Very important28%
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

    • Extremely important77%
    • Important17%
  • Physical Proximity

    • Very close (near touching)61%
    • Moderately close (at arm's length)35%
  • Contact With Others

    • Constant contact with others55%
    • Contact with others most of the time28%
    • Occasional contact with others15%
  • Spend Time Sitting

    • Continually or almost continually40%
    • About half the time13%
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

    • Continually or almost continually67%
    • Never18%
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

    • Every day38%
    • Once a week or more but not every day42%
    • Once a year or more but not every month15%
  • Time Pressure

    • Every day30%
    • Once a week or more but not every day38%
    • Once a month or more but not every week12%
    • Once a year or more but not every month15%
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

    • Every day28%
    • Once a week or more but not every day34%
    • Once a month or more but not every week22%
    • Once a year or more but not every month14%
  • Level of Competition

    • Moderately competitive19%
    • Not at all competitive24%
  • E-Mail

    • Every day19%
    • Once a week or more but not every day37%
    • Once a month or more but not every week24%
    • Once a year or more but not every month14%
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

    • Extremely important37%
    • Very important13%
    • Important18%
    • Fairly important22%
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  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

    • Continually or almost continually35%
    • More than half the time14%
    • Never11%
  • Freedom to Make Decisions

    • A lot of freedom22%
    • Some freedom23%
    • Limited freedom14%
    • Very little freedom33%
  • Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

    • Extremely important19%
    • Very important23%
    • Important22%
    • Fairly important25%
    • Not important at all11%
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

    • Every day28%
    • Once a week or more but not every day11%
    • Once a month or more but not every week22%
    • Once a year or more but not every month21%
    • Never18%
  • Frequency of Decision Making

    • Every day19%
    • Once a week or more but not every day25%
    • Once a month or more but not every week15%
    • Once a year or more but not every month25%
    • Never15%
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

    • Very important results15%
    • Important results24%
    • Moderate results20%
    • Minor results21%
    • No results19%
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

    • Extremely important21%
    • Very important15%
    • Important19%
    • Fairly important11%
    • Not important at all35%
  • Work Schedules

    • Seasonal (only during certain times of the year)27%
    • Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)23%
    • Regular (established routine, set schedule)50%
  • Consequence of Error

    • Extremely serious13%
    • Serious19%
    • Fairly serious27%
    • Not serious at all35%
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

    • A lot of freedom13%
    • Limited freedom22%
    • Very little freedom15%
  • Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

    • High responsibility12%
    • Moderate responsibility26%
    • No responsibility46%
  • Conflict Situations

    • Once a month or more but not every week20%
    • Once a year or more but not every month46%
    • Never27%
  • Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

    • Once a month or more but not every week14%
    • Once a year or more but not every month39%
    • Never33%
  • Written Letters and Memos

    • Once a month or more but not every week17%
    • Once a year or more but not every month35%
    • Never37%
  • Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

    • Once a year or more but not every month43%
    • Never36%
  • Spend Time Standing

    • More than half the time11%
    • About half the time14%
    • Never27%
  • Telephone Conversations

    • Once a week or more but not every day16%
    • Once a month or more but not every week11%
    • Once a year or more but not every month18%
    • Never51%
  • Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

    • Once a month or more but not every week19%
    • Once a year or more but not every month17%
    • Never53%
  • Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

    • Continually or almost continually11%
    • Less than half the time30%
    • Never52%
  • Public Speaking

    • Once a year or more but not every month36%
    • Never50%
  • Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

    • Extremely important14%
    • Not important at all77%
  • Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

    • Once a year or more but not every month35%
    • Never52%
  • Outdoors, Under Cover

    • In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

      • Once a week or more but not every day16%
      • Never77%
    • Duration of Typical Work Week

      • More than 40 hours11%
      • Less than 40 hours83%
    • Exposed to Contaminants

      • Never79%
    • Spend Time Walking or Running

      • Less than half the time35%
      • Never57%
    • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

      • Never77%
    • Health and Safety of Other Workers

      • Limited responsibility17%
      • No responsibility74%
    • Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

      • Once a year or more but not every month28%
      • Never68%
    • Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

      • Less than half the time24%
      • Never72%
    • Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

      • Less than half the time29%
      • Never68%
    • Exposed to Disease or Infections

      • Never89%
    • Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

      • Once a year or more but not every month16%
      • Never79%
    • Exposed to High Places

      • Never89%
    • Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

      • Never94%
    • Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

      • Never91%
    • Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

      • Never93%
    • Degree of Automation

      • Not at all automated95%
    • Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

      • Never96%
    • Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

      • Never93%
    • Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

      • Never97%
    • Exposed to Radiation

      • Never100%
    • In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

      • Never100%
    • Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

      • Never100%

    Typical Education Levels Reported

    Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

    • Bachelor’s degree

    Technology Skills

    Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

    • Web page creation and editing software

      Blogging software, Facebook, Instagram

    • Video creation and editing software

      YouTube

    • Music or sound editing software

      Apple GarageBand, Audacity, Avid Technology Pro Tools, iZotope Ozone

    • Instant messaging software

      Snapchat, Twitter

    • Spreadsheet software

      Microsoft Excel

    • Electronic mail software

      Email software

    • Accounting software

      Financial tracking software

    • Computer based training software

      Cantovation Sing & See

    • Enterprise resource planning ERP software

      SAP software

    • Office suite software

      Microsoft Office software

    • Word processing software

      Microsoft Word

    • Internet browser software

      Web browser software

    • Data base user interface and query software

      TUBA software

    • Calendar and scheduling software

      Appointment scheduling software

    Professional Associations

    Related Occupations

    Detailed Work Activities

    More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

    • Perform music for the public.
    • Practice athletic or artistic skills.
    • Train others on performance techniques.
    • Create musical compositions, arrangements or scores.
    • Study details of musical compositions.
    • Coordinate logistics for productions or events.
    • Perform for recordings.
    • Audition for roles.
    • Promote products, activities, or organizations.
    • Conduct research to inform art, designs, or other work.

    Apprenticeship Occupations

    Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

    • Musician
    O*NET in-it

    This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

    Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology

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